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XXV. On the Cultivation of the Balsam. By the Rev. 

 William Williamson, Corresponding Member of the 

 Horticultural Society. 



Read April 7th, 1818. 



Having found, by repeated experience, that the methods 

 generally used in the cultivation of the Balsam, ( Impatiens 

 Balsamina of LinnjEUs), are far from being successful, I am 

 induced to send, for the consideration of the Horticultural 

 Society, the following account of a method, by which I have 

 raised this beautiful annual, to a degree of perfection, which 

 has exceeded my utmost expectation. 



It is, I believe, generally understood, that the small fibres 

 of the root, are the principal organs through which nourish- 

 ment is conveyed to plants of every description, and every 

 one, who has raised this plant, must have observed the nu- 

 merous fibres of which the root is composed. It was this 

 circumstance, which led me to adopt the following mode, by 

 which nourishment is afforded, in proportion to the number 

 of organs destined to receive it. 



Having procured a quantity of rich mould (that com- 

 posed of three parts vegetable earth, and one part common 

 soil of the kitchen garden, I have found to answer best), I 

 expose it to the sun and air during the summer : in October 

 it should be placed under cover, to prevent its being satu- 

 rated by the autumnal or winter rains, Previous to its being 



